by J H Cardwell
"Tate, can I speak to you for a moment...please?" I gave Lisa the most sincere look I could, and turned around to wait for Tate.
He quickly came up behind me. "Reese, what are you doing here? Are you okay? I thought you would be heading home."
"I need to see you in private" I said through clenched teeth.
We walked to the side hall, near the bathrooms. I was whispering all that Josh had said to me...then I stepped back and looked at him.
"What...what did Lisa say?" I was worried about what his response would be...he certainly didn't seem shocked.
"She told me everything Reese. I promised my parents would help her with the courts, but that she really should let Tony take the full responsibility...that she should tell she was too frightened of him to come forward until now. She agreed...but..."
"But what?" I was looking at him with squinted eyes, concerned for how large the 'but' could be.
"But, that she needs me to be there for her. Before she told me everything, I promised her..." he said not looking at me. "I knew if I didn't, and she didn't come through for me, that my life could change drastically anyhow."
"What does that mean? How are you supposed to be there for her.? Let Josh help her." I said, not understanding. "I don't think it’s a good idea for you to lead her on, Tate."
"Reese, she knows I’m completely in love with you, and that I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that." I blew out a quick breath, as if to say yeah right. "Please, let's just be happy that she'll testify against Tony," he sighed.
He was right. This was huge, and truly good news for Tate. I would have to find a way to work around Tate being there for Lisa in the coming days. For now, we would move forward. After all, he would be off to Wake Forest with me soon, and she would be here. She needed to let him go already...that was a silly phase for both of them. Age was most definitely a factor, even if she did look half of hers...
***
I couldn't believe how fast things happened after that. Thank God. Tate was exonerated for the murder of Carter. Tony was taken into custody on a $500,000 bond. He was at home alone when the police came to arrest him...He had no idea it was coming. Josh and Lisa had gone together to the police station. It was a somber morning...Their world had crashed all around them. Tony was furious with them, calling them liars and traitors. However, when they had the weapon...which Tony had hidden in a drawer in his bedroom, there was no denying it. They also found the TracPhone he had used to text Tate, so the number wouldn't be traceable. He hadn't realized Carter would be there that awful night, he only knew from what Lisa had told him, that Reese and Tate had planned to meet, she thought at 8 pm. Evidently she had come across this information when talking with my mom. I’m still not sure why she told Tony this though.
Tony’s plan was to meet him at 7:30 pm and kill him before Reese arrived. The coincidences in the other evolutions of the night were ridiculously that...coincidences. Evidently, Carter had kept a gun on him just to scare Tate, and convince him to tell ‘the truth’ about him and Lisa in case he ever ran into us together. That fact would never be truly known. My guess is, Lisa had told them that she and Tate had slept together, so Carter believed it. It was probably her way of making it true in her own head.
The trial would be a speedy one. The evidence was clear. Tony would have several charges against him. For one, attempted murder of Tate Justice. I still cringe thinking of how that could have ended so differently. He also would be charged with accidental homicide of his own son. That charge would have a much less punishment attached, since it was totally not planned or executed. All together, according to Tate's parents, Tony would spend at least 15 years behind bars. Lisa could get a divorce granted in the meantime, if she so chose, which I was sure she would. I can't imagine how long it will take for them to put the pieces of their life back together again. I was a little worried about Lisa and Tate, and the time she has asked him to spend with her before he leaves for college. She claims she needs a shoulder other than Josh sometimes.
My mom and dad finally figured out about Tate and Lisa's 'relationship'. It was a disturbing day, listening to them argue. My mom was hurt and disgusted at Lisa. I have a feeling their relationship will never be the same. I kind of hope it won't at this point. I'm just not sure about Lisa...
My parents were upset by Tate's actions, and now a little worried about 'us' as a couple. Although, they understand the power Lisa had over him, and how he would have been tempted. Only time will tell how they really feel about it all, and how it will affect how they treat Tate. My mom shared with me how she worries with Lisa's eventual newfound freedom from marriage, she may pursue Tate as well, making our relationship more challenging anyhow. I would have to agree...reluctantly. Maybe she will find someone her own age to lean on...God let's hope so.
***
The weekend before we left for Wake Forest, and Chloe and Maura left for UNC Wilmington, my parents had a huge cook-out...a send-off for us. We grilled out steaks, and had corn on the cob, grilled squash and zucchini, potato salad, and homemade peach ice-cream (my mom makes the best). There were so many reasons to celebrate. The last few weeks had been marked with so much tragedy and heartache...it was time to move forward. The world was at our feet, for us to make our mark on it...I was praying it would be a positive mark. Finn was trying to help out by doing his usual, cracking jokes about all the hot women at Wake, while Elle punched him every few minutes. Oh how I loved my friends...
After we ate, and roasted marshmallows in the fire pit, we sat outside by the flames and listened to music. Out of nowhere, there was a thunder clap and everyone screamed. Then just like most summer nights in Penderton, the skies opened, and the buckets were released. We were drenched from head to toe in a matter of seconds. We all took off running for shelter. Most everyone ran to the house...Tate and I ran to the cabin.
We were laughing hysterically by the time we got inside. Our clothes soaked. With everything that had happened, we hadn't had a chance to be close in a long time. But, with Tate's t-shirt stuck to his sculpted chest, and his pants clinging tight to his frame, I was quickly turned on. I reached up and kissed him. Our mouths smashed together, crashing like the storm outside. I loved the feel of his body molding to mine, his warm breath on my face. He stepped back and looked at me...I blushed, realizing my white t-shirt was glued to me, revealing my thin bra and hardened nipples. He gave an approval grin and raised his eyebrows before he threw himself up against me again, his hands sprawled out on my lower back. Our breathing was becoming harder and faster.
All of a sudden the door swung open, and Chloe flung something slimy and gross at us. I screamed and jumped back, looking down to discover a frog was hopping on the floor...trying to escape from the terror of my scream. "A frog...Chloe!...Really!" I screamed. Tate looked at me and laughing he said, "you want me to get her for you? I'm already wet."
"Sure," I said. "She deserves it." Laughing still, I shook my head. Chloe would forever be Chloe, and I really didn't want her any other way.
I was cackling out loud at Chloe's shrill scream from outside when I felt my phone vibrate. Pulling it out of my back pocket (thankful it wasn't too wet) I saw a new text...John?
Reese, I’m thinking of you.
I want to wish you luck on
your move this weekend.
One day soon
I'm coming to visit you.
Until then...I'm still waiting…
Love, J
Oh John...
THE END
Catch Atonement the next book in the Attainment series due out Fall 2013 on e-books and paperback. Find out if Tate and Reese live happily ever after, or if John finds a way to win over Reese’s heart after all.
Check out other books to come at www.jhcardwell.com
Acknowledgments:
I would like to thank God first for all of the blessings in my life. I consider this opportunity one of those many blessings.
The writing and creating is fully ente
rtaining to me! So I would REALLY like to tell my family how much I appreciate their patience in my indulgence during this process. There were many times I was SO preoccupied with my story, that I was oblivious to…real life. I love that you all support me in this adventure. I also love that you three girls are trying your shot at writing!! It was a joy to see you all sitting around the living room with your computer or pen and paper and imagining your own story. Who knows, maybe one day you will too Jake. The sky is the limit for each of you, Macy, Hannah Brooke, Katie and Jake. I love you so much!
Thank you to my supportive, caring, loving husband. As always our life journey together is sweet and SO fulfilling. Although with our busy lives, at times we don’t know if we are coming or going. I love you, and I’m so thankful you’re on this amazing, wild ride called LIFE with me!!!
Thank you to my mother-in-law, Patsy and my Aunt Sheila for helping me figure out grammar and spelling all over again. I love that you are avid readers, and knew what to look for in my story-line. So thank you, thank you again!
Thank you to my parents for raising me to be actively interested in EVERYTHING! Thank you also, for raising me to love God and follow His plan.
Thanks to my brother who has always had this writing thing down pat. Thank you for your loving critique.
Thank you to my friends (you definitely know who you are) for helping me enjoy life and friendship to the fullest.
Julie has spent years in the medical field, the first few years as a Cardiac Specialty Nurse, and over the last decade as a pharmaceutical and medical sales representative. She has gathered mounds of experience both personally and professionally to pour into her new passion…writing. After years of power points in the corporate world, she is trying her hand at romance fiction with her first novel, Attainment, and the soon to be released sequel Atonement. Julie resides in a small town in NC with her husband and four children. She continues working full time in sales, exploring her writing late at night and in the wee hours of the morning when her children are tucked safely in bed.